NEW YORK.– While attention was focused on the impressive 23-0 start that broke modern NBA records, Dominican-American Karl-Anthony Towns once again made clear his weight in the competitive structure of the New York Knicks, providing balance, interior presence and efficient numbers in the 146-112 victory over the Utah Jazz on Friday night.
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Although the initial offensive burst was led by Jalen Brunson, who scored 33 points, and an accurate Deuce McBride, Towns offered the consistency that the Knicks need to sustain their status as contenders in the East. The Bronx player added 18 points, 9 rebounds and an interior defense that helped dismantle the Jazz's reaction attempts.
A Start for the History
The Knicks came out like a whirlwind: a 23-0 run, the longest initial streak recorded since the NBA implemented the full play-by-play system in 1997. Madison Square Garden vibrated from the jump ball, watching a team that didn't allow points for more than half of the first quarter. Brunson capped the streak with a three-pointer that further ignited the crowd and left a Jazz team that had come from winning in Brooklyn the night before with no answers.Towns's Silent but Decisive Influence
Although he wasn't the top scorer, Towns made his mark on multiple fronts:
- He dominated the boards with 9 rebounds.
- He opened up spaces with his outside shooting threat.
- He provided defensive presence, forcing the Jazz to attack from uncomfortable zones.
- He showed efficiency and control of the pace on offense.






